Weather in Dunedin

Find out what weather awaits you in Dunedin right now. Below, you will find up-to-date data, temperature charts, and a short-term forecast to help you plan your trip with ease.

The climate of Dunedin can be described as temperate maritime, characterised by cool summers and mild but fresh winters. Thanks to its location on the coast of the South Island, extreme heat or severe frosts are rare here. The weather is often changeable, bringing fresh ocean breezes, so travellers should be prepared for conditions to shift rapidly throughout the day.

Summer arrives here in December and lasts through February, delighting tourists with comfortable daytime temperatures around 19-20°C, which is ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Winter (from June to August) brings cooler weather: during the day, the air warms up to just 9-10°C, while night-time temperatures can drop to 2°C, making warm clothing essential.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Dunedin is its stable humidity throughout the year. Statistics show that the number of days with precipitation remains high in any month — from 10 to 18 days, with December often proving to be one of the wettest periods. This does not always mean heavy downpours, but overcast skies and drizzle are frequent visitors here, so an umbrella or raincoat will be important companions on your trip.

The climate in Dunedin is characterised by moderation and a lack of extreme heat, even at the height of summer. The warmest period is January, when the average temperature reaches 15.7°C, and the air warms up to a comfortable 20.0°C during the day. Summer days here are generally pleasantly warm rather than sweltering, creating excellent conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the risk of overheating.

The winter months, falling in June, July, and August, bring noticeable cooling. July is considered the coldest month of the year with an average temperature of about 5.3°C. Nights at this time can be quite chilly: minimum readings often drop to 2.0°C. Travellers planning a visit during this period should pack warm clothing, as the weather feels crisp and cool.

Throughout the year, there is a stable range between day and night temperatures, averaging about 8–9 degrees. For example, in spring and autumn, when average figures fluctuate between 8°C and 12°C, the days can be sunny and mild, while evenings may require an extra layer of clothing. Such dynamics make the climate in Dunedin quite fresh and conducive to long walks, provided you dress for the weather.

When planning a trip to Dunedin, it is worth being prepared for the fact that precipitation here is a frequent and regular occurrence throughout the year. There is no distinct dry season in the city, although the nature of the weather changes from month to month. Most often, these are not torrential downpours but moderate rains or drizzle, which evenly water the city and its surroundings, sustaining New Zealand's famous greenery.

Interestingly, statistics show that the "wettest" month is the beginning of the local summer — December. This period records the highest number of days with precipitation (averaging about 18 days) and the highest volume of rainfall. The spring months, especially October and November, are also notable for a high frequency of rain (15–16 days), so an umbrella or a light raincoat will be indispensable companions during your travels at this time of year.

The winter period (from June to August), despite low temperatures where the thermometer averages 5–6°C, brings slightly fewer rainy days than summer. For instance, in June the number drops to 10, and August is characterised by the lowest volume of precipitation for the year. Given the cool weather, cold drizzle is possible in winter, but rain remains the predominant type of precipitation.

The weather in Dunedin is known for its variability, so the main principle when packing your suitcase is layering. Even at the height of the local summer (January and February), the temperature rarely rises above 20°C, so alongside T-shirts, be sure to bring warm jumpers, fleece jackets, and long trousers. If your trip falls during the winter months (from June to August), be prepared for a bracing chill: the average temperature holds around 5–6°C, making thermal underwear and thick woollen items indispensable companions.

Given the precipitation statistics, rainy days are a frequent occurrence here all year round, so a high-quality waterproof windbreaker or a membrane jacket with a hood is a mandatory element of a tourist's wardrobe. An umbrella can be useful, but due to potential winds from the ocean, a reliable raincoat often proves more practical. Also, take care to bring comfortable, worn-in, and preferably water-resistant flat shoes, as the city is built on hills, and you will be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain.

Do not forget important accessories: a scarf, hat, and gloves will come in handy on cool evenings and early mornings, even in the shoulder seasons. It is also important to remember a specific feature of the New Zealand climate: even in cloudy and cool weather, the UV level here is very high. Therefore, sunscreen with a high protection factor and sunglasses should be packed in your luggage regardless of the season of your trip, to protect your skin and eyes.